20 Summer Writing Prompts For Kids

20 Summer Writing Prompts For Kids thumbnail

It's finally time to bring out the beach towels, swimwear, and sun cream! While summer is all about fun and relaxation, it's also a great time to keep your child's brain active and their writing skills sharp. No one wants to return to school feeling like they’ve forgotten how to hold a pen, right?

Don’t worry - we’ve come up with fantastic summer-themed writing prompts to inspire creativity, encourage reflection, and make writing fun during this long-awaited break from school! These prompts are perfect for kids aged 6 to 12 and cover a variety of styles, from reflective to persuasive and creative writing.

Four children running and laughing together.

Reflective Writing Prompts

Help your child look back on the school year and plan ahead for summer adventures with these reflective writing prompts:

1. Write a letter to yourself about the best parts of the past school year. What did you learn? Write about what you’re proud of and set some goals for the school year ahead.

2. Write a letter to your future self about your big plans for the summer. What would you like to accomplish or experience by the end of the summer break?

3. Can you write a reflective piece about how the last school year went? What were your favorite moments, biggest lessons, and proudest achievements?

Goal-Setting Writing Prompts

Encourage your child to think about their summer goals with these prompts that combine writing with planning:

4. Make a list of 5 goals you’d like to achieve this summer. Write about why each goal is important to you and how you plan to accomplish it.

5. Imagine you’re organizing a “Summer Goal Day” for your friends. Create an itinerary that includes activities that help everyone meet their summer goals - whether it’s reading more books, learning a new skill, or spending time outside.

Creative Writing Prompts

Let your child’s imagination run wild with these fun and engaging prompts:

6. Imagine you wake up to a perfect summer day. Describe in detail what you see, hear, and smell outside your window, and write about all the exciting activities you plan to do.

7. Write a story about discovering a magical swimming pool that transports you anywhere in the world. Where would you go? Who would you meet?

8. On the first day of summer vacation, you discover a mysterious map hidden in the sand at the beach. Where does it lead, and what treasures do you uncover?

Persuasive Writing Prompts

Teach your child the art of persuasive writing while keeping it summer-themed with these prompts:

9. Convince your parents to take you on your dream summer vacation. Write a persuasive piece about why this trip would be the best experience for the whole family.

10. If you could have an unlimited supply of any ice cream flavor, which one would you choose? Write a persuasive paragraph explaining your favorite flavor and why no other flavor compares.

11. Should schools have longer summer breaks? Write a persuasive argument supporting or opposing the idea.

Mindfulness Writing Prompts

Encourage your child to slow down and appreciate the world around them with these mindfulness prompts:

12. Take a moment to sit outside and observe nature. Write about what you see, hear, and feel. How does it make you feel relaxed or inspired?

13. Write about your favorite summer treat. What does it taste like? What memories does it bring back? Take time to savor the details while you write.

Travel Journal Prompts

If your child is heading on summer adventures, these prompts are perfect for documenting their travels:

14. Write a journal entry about your favorite summer trip. Where did you go? What did you see? What will you always remember from this experience?

15. Imagine you found a message in a bottle while exploring the shore during your travels. Write a short story about the message and what happens next.

Summer Journal Writing Prompts

Help your child maintain writing skills throughout the summer by encouraging them to keep a journal. Use these prompts to structure their entries:

16. “What are you most excited about this summer?” Write about your plans and what you’re looking forward to.

17. “Describe a fun summer day you’ve had so far.” Focus on the details - how did it make you feel?

18. “What’s something new you’ve learned this summer?” Write about how this experience has taught you something valuable.

End summer writing sessions with these fun and relaxing prompts:

19. Write an acrostic poem using the word SUMMER.

20. Describe your favorite end-of-summer tradition or create one if you don’t have one.

Write through the seasons

The four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, winter.

More writing prompts & activities

Make writing fun with Night Zookeeper

Night Zookeeper logo, displayed on tablet screen.

Keep the writing going this summer with Night Zookeeper! Our summer learning program is the perfect way to help kids improve their reading and writing skills while having fun.

Night Zookeeper turns learning into a game, offering thousands of interactive activities such as:

  • Creative writing prompts: spark your child’s imagination with prompts that encourage storytelling and exploration.
  • Word games: help improve vocabulary and spelling in a fun way.
  • Collaborative projects: kids can collaborate on creative assignments while developing teamwork skills.
  • Digital creativity: kids can build their own magical zoo, create animals, and share stories - all while practicing writing!

Night Zookeeper also offers personalized feedback on your child’s work, ensuring progress throughout the summer months.

Sign up today and get a FREE 7-day trial!

Got any questions? Email us at [email protected]. Follow us on socials media for more summer activities, tips and freebies:

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